Dicotyledons
Dicotyledons (pronunciation: /ˌdaɪkoʊˈtɪlɪdən/), also known as dicots, are one of the two major groups of angiosperms (flowering plants) that are traditionally recognized, the other being monocotyledons. These groups were founded on the number of cotyledons in the seedling, with dicotyledons having two cotyledons and monocotyledons having one.
Etymology
The term "Dicotyledons" comes from the Greek words "di" meaning two, and "kotyledon" meaning seed leaf. Thus, "Dicotyledons" refers to plants that have two seed leaves or cotyledons.
Characteristics
Dicotyledons are characterized by having two embryonic leaves or cotyledons. Other characteristics include net-like leaf veins, vascular tissue arranged in a ring, and flower parts in multiples of four or five.
Classification
Dicotyledons were once considered one of the two major groups of angiosperms, but modern taxonomic systems, such as the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) system, no longer recognize dicotyledons as a formal group. Instead, the APG system recognizes several lineages that were traditionally considered dicotyledons, such as the magnoliids, eudicots, and basal angiosperms.
Related Terms
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